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The Best Thread for Smooth Sewing Machine Stitches (2023)

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best thread for sewing machineYou’ve stitched yourself into a tangle with that sewing machine, haven’t you? Don’t worry, we’ll have you threading the needle again in no time.

Choosing the right thread is crucial for smooth stitching, whether you’re a seasoned seamstress or just learning your way around a sewing machine. The best thread for your project depends on the fabric you’re working with. Natural fibers like cotton and silk do best with natural threads, while synthetic fabrics like polyester play nice with polyester threads.

Weight matters too – go too heavy and you’ll get skipped stitches, too light and your seams may not hold. With so many options on the spool rack, it can knot your brains trying to pick the perfect thread.

Once you learn what to look for on a thread spool, threading your machine will be a cinch.

Key Takeaways

  • Cotton thread is best for cotton and linen fabrics, providing smooth stitches.
  • Polyester thread is versatile for synthetic fabrics, resisting tangling and fraying.
  • Silk thread is elegant but delicate, creating beautiful and smooth stitches.
  • Mettler silk cotton thread is recommended for quilting as it provides beautiful stitches, is strong, and heat-resistant.

Top 8 Best Thread for Sewing Machine

When looking for the best thread for your sewing machine, consider options like Livingo’s premium scissors for precise fabric cutting, quality polyester bobbins and spools from brands like Singer and Brother for tangle-free sewing, or Clover’s water-soluble fabric marking pencils for temporary guidelines.

You’ll also want to choose the right thread material, like lustrous Mettler silk cotton or durable Superior Threads polyester cones, and match the thread weight to your fabric type for optimal stitching results.

Livingo Premium Tailor Scissors Multipurpose Titanium Stainless Steel

LIVINGO Premium Tailor Scissors HeavyView On Amazon
With those lifetime guarantee Livingo scissors, you’ll slice through fabric like butter for all your sewing projects. The durable stainless steel blades stay ultra-sharp to precisely cut through yards of fabric, thick materials like leather, and anything you need with ease.

The lightweight, ergonomic handles provide comfort for extended sewing sessions without hand fatigue.

Pros
  • Ultra-sharp titanium stainless steel blades
  • Smooth, precise cutting
  • Lightweight and comfortable to use
  • Rust-resistant titanium coating
  • Durable and long-lasting
Cons
  • Expensive compared to regular sewing scissors
  • Not ideal for very thick/dense materials
  • Need to be handled with care to avoid dulling the blade

Sewing Thread Bobbins Kit Polyester Spools Prewound Brother Singer Janome

ilauke 50Pcs Bobbins Sewing ThreadsView On Amazon
For your next project, try these prewound bobbins and thread kit – they’ll save time and fit most machines.

With 25 bobbins ready to go and 400 yards of polyester thread per spool, you’ll be set for a variety of sewing and crafting tasks.

The assortment of bright, vibrant colors inspires creativity. The thread is sturdy and smooth, resisting tangling and providing reliable stitching.

The pre-filled bobbins mean no winding before sewing. Just load and go!

With a total of 10,000 yards, this kit offers convenience and value.

Pros
  • Pre-wound bobbins save time
  • 400 yards of thread per spool
  • 25 different bright, vibrant colors
  • Sturdy, durable thread resists tangling
  • Good value for money
Cons
  • Small storage box for the amount of thread
  • Cheaper quality than premium brands
  • Some spools are difficult to find the thread end
  • Limited to polyester thread

Clover Water Soluble Drawing Pencils White Pink Blue

You’ll spend more time resharpening than stitching with these delicate leads. These multi-colored water-soluble pencils by Clover promise convenience but don’t deliver. The cores easily damage, crumbling when sharpened. You’ll constantly pause your project to slowly and carefully resharpen, avoiding further breakage.

The results often disappoint too – light markings requiring hard pressure barely visible against fabrics. And the promised easy erasing? Not so. Your efforts to delicately remove lines bring frustration.

While they may mark smoothly at first, the constant sharpening interrupts any efficiency. Rather than a quilting aid, these pencils hinder momentum. Seek alternative fabric markers for smooth sailing through your next project.

Pros
  • Create light fabric markings
  • Smooth initial application
  • Vibrant pink, blue, white colors
Cons
  • Lead breaks constantly sharpening
  • Requires hard pressure for visibility
  • Markings challenging to fully erase
  • Need frequent resharpening interrupting work
  • Expensive given poor performance

Gutermann Black Sew All Thread

Gutermann Sew-All Thread 110 Yards-BlackView On Amazon
Get smooth, reliable stitching with this all-purpose sewing thread from Gutermann. With 6 spools, each containing 660 yards of black polyester thread, you’ll have plenty for your sewing and crafting projects.

Users love how this thread sews smoothly and resists tangling and breaking. It’s easy to thread and feeds well through your machine for consistent stitches. The polyester material provides strength to handle hand and machine sewing on all types of fabrics.

Reviewers say Gutermann thread offers excellent quality and durability compared to cheaper alternatives. They used it successfully for hemming, sewing on buttons, making masks, and placemats. With quality German-made thread, you can’t go wrong. Stock up on this versatile thread for your regular sewing needs at a great price.

Pros
  • Smooth feeding
  • Durable polyester material
  • Good for all fabrics
  • Quality stitching
  • Resists tangling
  • Great value for the price
Cons
  • Limited to black color
  • Not for heavy-duty projects
  • Can fray over time

Coats All Purpose Thread Black 400 Yards Spool

COATS Dual Duty All-Purpose Thread,View On Amazon
Stock this versatile Coats All Purpose Thread in classic black, and you’ll have 400 yards of durable, polyester-covered polyester core that’s ideal for hemming those new trousers or sewing on loose buttons.

With strength and quality made in the USA, this easy-to-use thread offers reliability for your regular sewing and garment construction needs. Though it’s too thin for heavy-duty uses like dog toys, it works great for basic sewing and crafting projects.

Pros
  • Good for stocking up on basic colors
  • Fast shipping
  • Color as described
  • Durable, strong thread
  • Good price
Cons
  • Too thin for some uses like sewing dog toys
  • Difficult to get the thread started on the spool

Mettler Silk Cotton Thread 547 Yard Fieldstone

Mettler Silk Finish Cotton ThreadView On Amazon
Made by Mettler, this premium silk cotton thread in Fieldstone offers a luxurious sewing experience with its smooth sewing and silk-like feel. This high-quality Egyptian cotton thread provides beautiful results ideal for quilting and other sewing projects.

The mercerized thread is strong and heat-resistant with minimal shrinkage, allowing it to stand up to frequent use.

With a 50 weight design, it flows effortlessly through the needle and produces flawless stitches without the aggravation of breaking. This thread is a favorite of avid quilters who recognize quality materials. The rich Fieldstone color adds elegance to your creations but runs slightly darker than expected.

  • Pros
    • Quality material resists breaking
    • Provides smooth, beautiful stitches
    • Ideal for quilting and sewing
    • Strong and durable
    • Lovely color
  • Cons:
    • Expensive
    • Limited color options
    • Fieldstone color darker than expected
    • Delicate, requires special care

Aurifil Cotton Thread Set Classic Collection Large Spools

Aurifil Thread Set Classic CollectionView On Amazon
You’ll treasure this quality Aurifil thread set for all your quilting and sewing projects. With its premium 100% cotton construction, each spool delivers smooth, durable stitches ideal for piecing quilts or sewing garments.

The rich assortment of colors stimulates your creativity for any project. Thanks to the convenient storage case, finding the perfect shade is always at your fingertips. Made in Italy and renowned among quilters, this thread maintains strength and minimizes lint.

While an investment, starting your collection with this classic set of 12 large spools offers excellent value.

Pros
  • Renowned Italian-made quilting thread
  • Durable, premium-quality 100% cotton
  • 1422 yards per spool
  • Minimal lint and consistent stitches
  • Convenient case keeps colors organized
Cons
  • More expensive than basic polyester thread
  • Limited to 50 colors in set
  • Must be gently washed

Superior Threads Polyester Sewing Thread Cone Yards

Superior Threads So Fine 3-PlyView On Amazon
Dig this gnarly polyester thread from Superior Threads for your sewing machine’s stitching needs. It’s sturdy construction solves your thread bursting troubles for far out quilting projects compared to flimsy cotton threads.

This polyester thread offers high-quality performance and versatility for all your sewing, quilting, and serging projects.

With 3,280 yards per cone, you’ll get smooth, consistent stitches and strength thanks to its lint-free, matte finish.

Pros
  • Smooth, consistent stitches
  • High yardage per cone
  • Strength and durability
  • Lint-free
  • Versatile for many projects
Cons
  • Limited color selection
  • Must be handled carefully

Choosing Your Sewing Thread

Choosing Your Sewing Thread
When choosing your sewing thread, start by reading the spool. Examine the label for fiber content, yardage, weight, dye type, and manufacturer recommendations so you select the ideal thread for your fabric.

Choosing the right sewing machine thread is important for smooth, trouble-free stitching.

How to Read a Spool

Check the labels on your spools to select the best thread for your fabric.

  1. Look for the recommended needle size. Using the right needle prevents skipped stitches and breakage.
  2. Consider thread count, which indicates thickness. Higher counts like 60 are thinner than lower counts like 30.
  3. Check the yardage to ensure you have enough. Avoid frustration from running out mid-project.

Knowing these details helps you pick the optimal thread for your sewing machine and project.

Choosing the Right Sewing Machine Thread is Important

Matching the thread fiber to the fabric type helps ensure quality results. Choosing the right thread means understanding your materials. Polyester and cotton threads behave differently. Adjust your tension and stitch settings accordingly.

Quality thread resists tangling and breaks. Store it properly to avoid damage. Your machine needs the correct tools to operate smoothly. Invest in quality materials, familiarize yourself with their properties, and your sewing will reflect mastery.

Are Sewing Machines Requiring Extra Thread?

Are Sewing Machines Requiring Extra Thread
Gotta step up your thread game if your sewing machine‘s asking for more. As bobbin technology advances, today’s sewing machines require stronger, smoother thread to prevent frustrating breaks and skipped stitches.

That’s why savvy sewers turn to premium threads from top companies like Gutermann, Mettler, and Aurifil. Their high-quality cotton, polyester, and silk threads are specially engineered for flawless topstitching and seam performance.

Choose the right thread weight so it fills the bobbin just right – not too loose or tight. Match thread content to your fabric type too. And don’t forget the finishing touches like lustrous silk thread for a beaded decorative tassel.

With the perfect thread, you’ll breeze through projects while your machine sings a happy tune.

Do You Have to Use Regular Thread on the Sewing Machine?

Do You Have to Use Regular Thread on the Sewing Machine
You’d be wise to use the proper thread for your fabric on that sewing machine. Choosing the right thread is crucial for quality sewing results.

While regular all-purpose polyester works for many projects, consider the thread’s fiber content. Natural fabrics like cotton and linen pair best with natural threads like cotton or silk that shrink together.

Synthetics like polyester and nylon call for polyester thread that resists shrinking or fading.

Follow pattern guidelines, match thread weight to fabric weight, and mind tension. Quality brands like Gutermann prevent frustrating breaks. With a little thread know-how, you can avoid skipped stitches and puckered seams to create modern fashions or intricate embroidery.

Use thread suited to your fabric for smooth, durable hand stitches or machine sewing.

Cotton Vs. Polyester Vs. Silk – When to Use What

Cotton Vs. Polyester Vs. Silk - When to Use What
Pick either cotton, polyester, or silk thread based on your fabric and project needs. Cotton works best on natural fibers like cotton and linen, but it shrinks with the fabric. It has a matte look and a soft feel. Polyester resists shrinking and fading, making it versatile for all fabrics.

It has a high tensile strength, so it’s great for stretchy fabrics. Silk thread has a beautiful sheen and elegance but requires a special needle. It can be prone to fading or discoloration over time. Choose the thread material closest to your fabric type.

Test on scraps when mixing fibers. Adjust tension as needed and match thread weight to fabric weight for the best results.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I know if my sewing machine needs oiling and cleaning for best thread performance?

Before sewing, check if the machine moves sluggishly or makes unusual noises. Those signs indicate a need for oiling and cleaning. A well-maintained machine, like a Singer touched up yearly, makes projects smoother by preventing poor stitching and thread breaks from built-up lint and grime.

Following the manual’s directions keeps inner parts running optimally so quality thread performs best.

What needle types and sizes work best with different thread weights and fabrics?

You’ll want finer needles like 70/10 for lightweight fabrics and heavier 18/110 needles for denim and canvas. Match the needle size to the thread thickness for the best stitching. Smaller needles prevent puckering on silks, while thicker needles won’t shred with heavy topstitch thread.

How can I prevent or fix birdnesting and knotting with my sewing machine thread?

Like a tangled ball of yarn, birdnests knot up your sewing. Check the tension, rethread completely, and clean lint from the bobbin case. Slow down and hold the thread tails taut when starting stitches. Quality thread resists tangling, so update yours.

Are there any tricks for smoothing frayed thread ends after cutting?

After cutting the thread, run the frayed end through beeswax or a candle flame. This will seal the fibers to prevent further fraying. You can also apply clear nail polish or Fray Check. Keeping your scissors sharp helps reduce initial fraying when cutting the thread.

How often should I be changing my sewing machine’s needle for optimal threading?

Change your needle frequently for optimal threading. Every 5-8 hours of sewing is ideal. Dull, bent needles can damage thread, leading to frustrating breaks and skipped stitches. Fresh, sharp needles glide smoothly through fabric without fraying thread. They make precise holes for the thread to follow.

Conclusion

With all these high-quality threads now at your fingertips, you’re ready to start sewing like a pro! Whether it’s everyday mending or crafting couture, having the best thread helps ensure strong, smooth stitches that stand the test of time.

So choose wisely and stitch confidently, knowing you’ve got the best thread for your sewing machine.

Avatar for Mutasim Sweileh

Mutasim Sweileh

Mutasim is the founder and editor-in-chief of sewingtrip.com, a site dedicated to those passionate about crafting. With years of experience and research under his belt, he sought to create a platform where he could share his knowledge and skills with others who shared his interests.